Peterborough V Watford at London Road Ground : Match Preview

Jack Payne could be fit enough to be included in the Peterborough squad against Watford.

Posh were dealt a blow last weekend when an ankle injury forced Payne out of the action at Huddersfield but, despite initial fears of a more severe injury, the on-loan Gillingham midfielder has been given a 50/50 chance of featuring on Saturday.

Manager Darren Ferguson has options should Payne miss out.

He told reporters ahead of the Hornets' visit: "I've got others that can come in.

"We've got a lot of players who can play in midfield/attacking positions and it's something I might have to utilise on Saturday as Watford have got good footballers in the middle of the pitch, but not great physical strength so I wouldn't be overly concerned about playing someone like Danny Swanson, Joe Newell or Alex Pritchard in there.

"But you've got to get the balance and that's something that I've got to get right on Saturday."

Michael Bostwick was expected to return after a three-match absence with a hamstring injury but the midfielder, who has been playing as a centre-half, suffered a setback in his recovery this week and will remain on the sidelines.

Promotion-chasing Watford have an unchanged squad for the trip.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia made his comeback from a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury to retake his place between the posts for last weekend's goalless draw with Cardiff.

Defender Matthew Briggs (knock) and midfielder Jonathan Hogg (calf) also returned to Gianfranco Zola's 18 against the Bluebirds, with all three suffering no ill-effects.

Midfielder John Eustace has rejoined training after his long-term back injury but whether he features at all remains to be seen.